The 2026 Federal and Defense Textile and Tactical Equipment (FEDTEX) Summit brought together leaders from government, industry, academia and the textile supply chain for two days of collaboration, innovation and strategic discussion focused on the future of the federal and defense textile marketplace. Hosted by the Office of U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, the Office of U.S. Senator Ted Budd and the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC), FEDTEX once again connected Department of Defense (DoD) and federal agency clothing and individual equipment buyers with U.S. textile manufacturers, textile supply chain suppliers, cut-and-sew contractors, testing labs, research institutions and academic partners.

Held May 19–20, 2026, at the McKimmon Conference Center at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, FEDTEX welcomed attendees from across the United States and Puerto Rico representing the full spectrum of the textile and tactical equipment ecosystem. FEDTEX focused on strengthening the domestic industrial base, increasing engagement between government and industry, and advancing solutions to the critical challenges facing the defense textile sector.

The event opened with networking opportunities and an exhibitor reception that allowed manufacturers, suppliers, federal agencies and academic organizations to establish direct connections and discuss emerging opportunities in the federal marketplace. Throughout FEDTEX, attendees engaged in sessions designed to provide actionable strategies for competing in and succeeding within federal contracting environments.

FEDTEX featured keynote and guest speakers from across government, defense, academia and industry, including: Bill Briggs, Deputy Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration; North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall; Brigadier General Sean P. Kelly, Commander, Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support; Kim Glas, President and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations; David Hinks, PhD, Dean of the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State University; David Costello, Executive Director of the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition; and Nicole Cervi, Economist with Wells Fargo & Company. Their remarks highlighted the strategic importance of a resilient, Berry-compliant domestic textile industrial base and reinforced the critical role the textile industry plays in supporting the American warfighter.

During his remarks, BG Sean P. Kelly reinforced the critical partnership between government and industry by thanking attendees for their continued commitment to supporting the nation’s warfighters. He challenged both his team and industry leaders to remain focused on four strategic priorities: ensuring warfighter readiness, empowering an innovative workforce, maintaining a resilient supply chain for both end items and critical subcomponents, and strengthening collaboration with industry partners to accomplish the mission.

“Success in the future fight will depend on our ability to work together as true partners,” said BG Kelly. “Warfighter readiness, workforce innovation, supply chain resilience and strong industry collaboration are not separate objectives - they are all essential to ensuring we can support the warfighter when it matters most.”

Across both days, FEDTEX sessions addressed many of the most pressing issues impacting the industry today. Discussions explored legislative updates affecting the Berry Amendment and domestic sourcing requirements, robotics and automation in textile manufacturing, sustainability initiatives and recycling technologies, PFAS research and government standards, workforce development strategies and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on textile operations and supply chains.

Attendees also gained practical guidance on navigating federal contracting opportunities through sessions covering proposal writing, SBIR/STTR funding opportunities, AbilityOne and Bureau of Prisons contracting pathways and strategies for selling directly to the federal government. Industry experts and government leaders shared insights designed to help companies strengthen competitiveness, improve operational resilience and identify emerging opportunities within the defense textile and tactical equipment marketplace.

A recurring theme throughout FEDTEX was the importance of collaboration between industry, government and academia. Presentations from the Wilson College of Textiles and other research leaders showcased how innovation, advanced materials research and workforce partnerships are helping shape the future of defense textiles while supporting national security objectives.

FEDTEX further reinforced North Carolina’s leadership position within the defense textile sector and highlighted the state’s unique ability to convene critical stakeholders across the textile supply chain. Through direct engagement with federal agencies, prime contractors, manufacturers and researchers, FEDTEX advanced meaningful dialogue around supply chain resilience, workforce readiness, sustainability, innovation and future military requirements.

Post-event materials, presentations and resources from FEDTEX are available to attendees and industry partners to support continued collaboration and business development efforts across the federal and defense textile marketplace.

For additional information about FEDTEX and future NCMBC events, visit www.ncmbc.us.